Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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EQUIPMENT SECURITY DEVICE
Background of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a security device for securing
equipment such as a lap top computer to a structure.
[0002] A variety of techniques and apparatus have been developed over the
years to prevent the unauthorized removal of computers and other office
equipment. A number of anti-theft devices have been developed specifically
for tower style and desk top computers, as depicted for example in U.S. Patent
No. 6,138,483 issued October 31, 2000 to Galant. Such devices are not
designed to be used with clam shell style lap top computers which are most
often the targets of computer theft.
[0003] Anti-theft devices have also been developed for securing lap top
computers, as depicted for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,595,074 issued
January 21, 1997 to Munroe. Such rigid devices have generally lacked
flexibility and adjusting for lap top computers of different sizes, and lacked
the
ability to secure lap tops both in the opened and closed positions. One
example of a useful lap top security device can be seen in U.S. Patent No.
6,308,928 issued October 30, 2001 to Galant. Although the device disclosed
in such patent offers a high degree of security and can also be used to secure
lap tops in opened and closed positions, it can be cumbersome to use in some
applications.
[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an equipment security device
which can easily be adjusted for use with lap top computers or~equipment
components of different sizes. It is also desirable to provide a security
device
that can be conveniently used to secure a lap top computer in both the opened
and closed positions.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] The invention provides a security device that can be used to secure
devices, such as lap-top computers, of a varying sizes, and includes two
securing members that are telescopically connected together and which have
opposed restraining members for securing a device there between.
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[0006] A security device for securing an equipment component such as a
laptop computer, the security device including a first securing member
including a first restraining member for engaging a first portion of the
component, and an elongate arm extending from the first restraining member;
and a second securing member including a second restraining member
opposing the first restraining member for engaging a portion of the component
that is spaced apart from the first portion, and a releasable locking device
for
engaging the arm to prevent movement of the first and second restraining
members away from each other when in an engagement position; the first and
second restraining members each including a first pair of spaced apart
opposed engagement members for restraining movement of the component in
a first plane, and a second pair of spaced apart opposed engagement
members for restraining movement of the component in a second plane.
[0007] The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the
features essential for defining the invention; the invention may reside in a
sub-
combination of the disclosed features. Other aspects of the present invention
will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the
following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction
with the accompanying figures.
Preferred Features of the Invention
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a security
device for securing an equipment component having opposite corner portions,
the security device including a first securing member having a first
restraining
member for engaging a first corner of the component, and an elongate arm
extending from the first restraining member, and a second securing member
having a second restraining member for engaging a second corner of the
component that is diagonal to the first corner. A releasable locking device on
the second restraining member is provided for engaging the arm to prevent
movement of the first and second restraining members away from each other
when in an engagement position. The first and second restraining members
each include a first pair of spaced apart opposed engagement members for
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restraining movement of the component in a first plane, and a second pair of
spaced apart opposed engagement members for restraining movement of the
component in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
security device for securing a substantially rectangular box-shaped component
that is defined by spaced- apart cover and base walls with four side-walls
extending at least partially between four respective edges of the cover and
base walls, pairs of the sidewalls meeting at four corners of the component.
The security device includes a first securing member having a first
restraining
member for engaging a first corner of the component, and an elongate arm
extending from the first restraining member, and a second securing member
having a second restraining member for engaging a second corner of the
component that is diagonal to the first corner. A releasable locking device is
provided on the second securing member for engaging the arm to prevent
movement of the first and second restraining members away from each other
when in an engagement position. The first and second restraining members
each include spaced apart cover wall and base wall engagement members,
and a pair of spaced apart side-wall engagement members for engaging the
cover wall, base wall, and a pair of side-walls, respectively, at the first
and
second corners, respectively, to restrain movement of the component relative
to the security device when in the locked position.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
security device for securing a lap top computer, the lap top computer having a
cover and a base pivotally connected together for movement between an open
position in which the cover extends at an angle from the base, and a closed
position in which the cover and base collectively define a rectangular box-
like
structure, the device including a first securing member having a first
restraining
member and an elongate locking arm extending therefrom and a second
securing member having a second restraining member connected to a locking
device for slidably receiving the arm and engaging the arm at a selected one
of
at least two possible engagement positions to prevent movement of the first
and second securing members away from each other. The first and second
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restraining members each include restraining means that are opposed when
the locking arm is received in the locking device, the restraining means
having
means for engaging the cover and base of an open lap-top computer to
restrain movement of the laptop when the arm is received within the locking
device at one of the at least two possible engagement positions, and means for
engaging diagonally located corners of a closed lap top computer to restrain
movement thereof when the arm is received in the locking device at another
one of the at least two possible engagement positions.
[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a
security device for securing a lap top computer to a support surface of a
support member, the lap top computer having a cover and a base pivotally
connected together for movement between an open position in which the cover
extends at an angle from the base, and a closed position in which the cover
and base collectively define a rectangular box-like structure. The device
includes first and second securing members each having a restraining member
defining an opening for receiving a portion of the lap top cover, the first
securing member including an elongate arm extending therefrom, and the
second securing member including a locking device for telescopically receiving
the elongate arm of the first securing member and for engaging the arm to
prevent movement of the first and second securing members away from each
other when in an engagement position. At least one of said first and second
securing members is adapted to be anchored to the support member. The
openings defined by the restraining members of the first and second securing
members oppose each other when the arm is telescopically received in the
locking device so that when the lap top computer is positioned on the support
member in an open position, the cover can be received between and
restrained by the restraining members to secure the lap top to the support
member when the lock device is in the engagement position and one of the
first and second securing members is anchored to the support member.
Brief Description of the Drawings
(0012] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how it may
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be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings, like numerals being used to refer to like components
throughout , in which:
[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance with
a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0014] Figure 2 a partial sectional view of a lock assembly of the security
device, taken across the lines II-II of Figure 1;
[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the security device of Figure 1
shown in use securing a lap top computer in the opened position to a support
member;
[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the security device of Figure 1
shown in use securing a closed lap top computer to a support member;
[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance with
a further preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the security device of Figure 5
shown in use securing a lap top computer in the closed position to a support
member;
[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the security device of Figure 5
shown in use securing an open lap top computer to a support member;
[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another security device in
accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0021] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a another security device in
accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance
with a further preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0023] Figure 11 is a further perspective view of the security device of
Figure
in use securing a closed lap top computer and docking station; and
[0024] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance
with a further preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a mounting plate that can be used
with a security device according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the mounting plate of Figure
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13 with the security device of Figure 5 mounted thereto; and
[0027] Figure 15 is a further perspective view showing the mounting plate of
Figurel3 with the security device of Figure 5 mounted thereto in a further
position.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0028] The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of
example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary
for carrying the invention into effect. With reference to Figure 1, a security
device in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention is indicated
by general reference number 10. The security device 10 includes first and
second securing members 12 and 14 which can be telescopically connected
together to secure a piece of equipment such as a lap top computer
therebetween, as will be explained in greater detail below. The first securing
member 12 includes a first hook-like restraining member 16, and the second
securing member 14 includes a second hook-like restraining member 18 for
restraining movement of a secured lap top computer. An elongate cylindrical
rod or arm 20 extends from the first securing member 12 in the same direction
that the first hook member 16 opens towards. The second securing member
14 includes a lock device 22 which is configured to telescopically receive the
locking arm 20 of the first securing member 12. In the illustrated embodiment,
the lock device 22 includes a tubular sleeve 24 which has a lock assembly 26
mounted thereon for engaging ratchet teeth 28 that are provided along the
length of an extending portion of the arm 20.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the first hook member 16 includes a
base plate 30 to which the locking arm 20 is rigidly attached. First and
second
base members 32, 34, are rigidly secured to the base plate 30 and run
substantially parallel to a portion of the arm 20. First and second sidewall
engagement members 36 and 38 extend orthogonally in spaced-apart, parallel
fashion from the first and second base members 32 and 34 respectively. A
reinforcing member 40, which is spaced-apart from the base plate 30, extends
between the first sidewall and second sidewall engagement members 36 and
38. A front cover restraining member 42 extends orthogonally from an upper
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end of the first sidewall engagement member 36, and additionally a back cover
restraining member 44 extends orthogonally from the second sidewall
engagement member 38. The front cover restraining member 42 and back
cover restraining member 44, which are spaced-apart from each other, extend
inwardly, that is in substantially the same direction as the arm 20. Thus, the
first hook-like restraining member 16 includes two inwardly opening spaced
apart hook structures (namely the first sidewall engagement member 36 and
front cover restraining member 42 as one hook structure, and the second
sidewall engagement member 38 and the back cover restraining member 44
as a second hook structure).
[0030] The second hook restraining member 18 has a similar configuration
to the first hook restraining member, and in this regard includes a base plate
46 having first and second spaced-apart base members 48, 50 affixed thereto.
First and second sidewall engagement members 52 and 54 extend upwardly in
spaced-apart parallel fashion from the elongate base members 48 and 50,
respectively. A reinforcing member 60 extends between upper ends of the first
and second sidewall engagement members 52 and 54. Spaced-apart, front
cover restraining member 56 and a back cover restraining member 58 extend
inwardly from the first and second sidewall engagement members 52, 54,
respectively. A portion of the tubular sleeve 24 is rigidly connected to the
base
plate 30 for receiving the locking arm 20.
[0031 ] As can be appreciated from the illustration of Figure 1, when the
locking arm 20 is received within the tubular sleeve 24 of the lock device 22,
the first and second hook restraining members, 16, 18 have opposing
openings. In use, a lap top computer can be engaged between these opposed
openings.
[0032] In one preferred embodiment, a through-hole 62 is provided through
the base plate 46 in order to permit the security device 10 to be anchored to
a
support member 64. By way of example, a bolt 66 and nut 68 combination
could be used in combination with the through hole 62 to secure the second
securing member 14 to an upper surface 70 of the support member 64.
Preferably, the bolt 68 would be received in a recessed hole on the underside
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of the support member 64 in order to prevent its unauthorized removal, or
alternatively the nut 68 could be located in an area of the underside support
member 64 which is protected by a locked drawer or the like.
[0033] The locking assembly 26 will now be described with reference to
Figure 2. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the security device uses
a locking assembly 26 having a similar configuration and construction as the
locking assembly described in U.S. Patent No. 6,308,928 issued October 30,
2001, to the inventor of the present invention. In this regard, the locking
assembly 26 has a hardened steel housing 70 having a blind hole 72 in which
is situated a spring loaded pawl 74. The spring loaded pawl 74 is normally
biased into a locked position (shown in Figure 2) under the influence of a
spring 76. In this position, the spring 76 biases the pawl 74 part way into a
passage way 78 of the lock assembly 26 for receiving the arm 20 therethrough.
[0034] The pawl 74 presents an inclined surface 80 for meeting a frustial
conical surface 82 of the ratchet teeth 28 that are provided along the arm 20.
This configuration allows the arm 20 be advanced within the passage way 78
relative to the locking device 26 in the direction of arrow 84 shown in Figure
2.
When moved in the direction of arrow 84, the pawl 74 is pushed into the blind
hole 72 by each ratchet tooth 28 passing the pawl 74. As each ratchet tooth
28 passes the pawl 74, the spring 76 urges the pawl 74 back into an annular
space 86 between adjacent ratchet teeth 28. When the pawl is positioned in
an annual space 86, movement of the arm 20 in a direction opposite to the
direction shown by arrow 84 is blocked by the engagement of transversely-
extending planar surface 88 of the paw! 74 with a portion of a planar angular
surface 90 of a subject ratchet tooth 28. Thus, the spring-loaded pawl 74
permits the arm 20 to be telescoped into the locking device 22 while
preventing
the arm 20 from being separated from the locking device 22 when it is in its
locked position. In one embodiment, the lock assembly 26 is actuated by a
removable key 92. In a manner known in the art, rotation of the key 92 will
rotate a torque blade and displace the pawl 74 into the blind hole 72 to
compress the spring 76, and away from the passage way 78, thereby unlocking
the lock assembly 26 to permit withdrawal of the arm 20 from the lock device
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22.
[0035] An overview of the security device 10 having been provided, an
explanation of the operation of the device to secure an open lap top computer
will now be explained with reference to Figures 1-3. With reference to Figure
3, a lap top computer 100 is shown secured in an opened position to the
support member 64. The lap top computer 100 includes a cover 102 and a
base 104 pivotally connected together for movement between an open position
in which the cover extends at an angle from the base, and a closed position in
which the cover and base collectively define a rectangular box-like structure.
In
the example illustrated in Figure 3, the second securing member 14 has been
anchored to an upper surface 70 of the support member 64 by means of a bolt
66. As can be appreciated from Figure 3, the through hole 62 (see Figure 1 )
passes through the base plate 46 of the securing member 14 in a location that
is located underneath base 104 of the lap top computer when the computer is
secured by the securing device 10, thus preventing access to the securing bolt
66.
[0036] As will be understood from Figures 1 and 3, when securing the lap
top 100, the locking arm 20 extends underneath the base 104 of the lap fop
with its extending end is received within the sleeve 24 of lock device 22. The
first securing member 12 is telescoped Towards the second securing member
14 until the lap top is restrained between the first hook restraining member
16
and second hook restraining member 18 as shown in Figure 3. In the
engagement position as shown in Figure 3, upward movement of the lap top
computer is prevented by front cover restraining members 42 and 56 which
engage an upper surface of the base 104 if the lap top 104 is moved in an
upward direction. Front cover restraining members 42 and 56 also restrain
forward movement of the lap top computer 100 by engaging a front portion of
the cover 102 when the lap top is moved in a forward manner. Backward
movement of the lap top computer is restrained by back cover restraining
members 44 and 58 which engage back portions of the cover 102 when the lap
top computer 100 is moved in a rearward direction. Sideways movement of
the lap top computer is restrained by first sidewall engagement members 36
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and 52 and, in the embodiment ofi Figure 3, also by reinforcing members 40
and 60.
[0037] Thus, in the engagement position, the first and second opposed hook
restraining members 16 and 18 prevent unauthorized removal of the lap top
computer. For each of the restraining members, the respective front cover
restraining members 42 and 56 and elongate base members 32 and 48 are
preferably spaced far enough apart to accommodate a wide range of different
lap top thicknesses (and also to accommodate closed lap tops as explained in
greater detail below), while at the same time not being spaced so far apart so
as to allow the lap top computer to be rotated out of the security device 10.
Similarly, the front cover restraining members 42, 56 are preferably spaced
sufficiently far from their corresponding back cover restraining members 44,
58
to accommodate a range of lap top covers of varying thickness, and also to
permit the lap top screen to be angled according to the preference of the
user,
while at the same time not being spaced-apart so far as to permit the lap top
computer 100 to be rotated out ofi the security device. Rotation of the key 92
to
unlock the lock assembly 26 will release the pawl 74 from the ratchet teeth 28
to permit separation of the first and second securing members in order to
release the lap top computer 100.
[0038] With reference to Figure 4, the heretofore described embodiment
offers a great degree of a flexibility in that the adjustability permitted by
telescopic locking arm 20, and the configuration of the first and second hook
members 16 and 18, permit the security device 10 to also be used to secure a
closed lap top computer 100 to the support surface of the support member 64.
In Figure 4, the first securing member 14 has been anchored to the support
member 64. In the engagement position, a pair of diagonally located corners
of the lap top computer 100 are secured between the opposed first and second
hook members 16 and 18. With respect to first hook restraining member 16,
opposed first and second sidewall engagement members 36, 38 restrain
movement of the lap top computer 100 in a horizontal plane parallel to the
upper surface of support member 64 by, engaging a pair of the sidewalls of the
closed lap top computer 100. Front cover restraining member 42, back cover
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restraining member 44 and reinforcing member 40 collectively function as an
engagement member to prevent any substantial upward movement of the lap
top computer 100, and the baseplate 30 and members 32,34 (which are in
opposed relation to the restraining member 42, back cover restraining member
44 and reinforcing member 40) function as a further engagement member to
prevent movement in a downward direction. Similarly, with respect to the
second hook restraining member 18, first sidewall and second sidewall
engagement members 52, 54 engage another pair of sidewalls of the lap top
computer 100 to prevent sideways movement of the lap top, and the front
cover restraining member 56, back restraining member 58 and reinforcing
members 60 are located over the cover 102 to prevent upward movement of
the lap top 100.
j0039] It will be appreciated that when the security device 10 is in its
engagement position securing a closed lap top computer, even if a potential
thief manages to pry the security device 10 from the support member 64, the
lap top computer 100 will still effectively be locked in the closed position.
In
some environments, the security device may be used to maintain a lap top
computer in a closed position without anchoring the device to a support
member 64 by means of bolt 66.
[0040] It will thus be appreciated that the present invention provides a
flexible security device which can conveniently and easily be used to lock
clam-
shell style lap top computers, both in an opened and closed position, and of
varying sizes and styles, to a support member. It will be appreciated that the
device could also be configured to be used to secure other equipment
components that have diagonally opposed corners, such as a tool box fo,r
example.
[0041 ] Many variations and different embodiments of the present invention
are possible. For example, in some applications the reinforcing members 40
and 60 may not be required. A non-exclusive list of examples of other possible
modifications is as follows. Although bolt 66 passing through a through hole
62
has been described as one means for securing the security device 10 to a
support member 64, other anchoring methods could be used. For example
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the through hole 62 could pass through the base plate 30 (or be provided in
some other manner) of the first securing member 12, rather than the base
plate 46 of the second securing member 14. In some embodiments, an
adhesive may be used to secure the security device to a support member. In
some embodiments a cable may be used. In other embodiments, the bolt 66
could be replaced with a shaft that could receive some sort of locking device,
for example a pad lock on a lower end thereof. One of the first or second
securing members 12, 14 could include a downwardly extending shaft with
ratchet teeth on it for mounting to a desk top in a manner similar to that
shown
in aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,308,928 to Galant. Accordingly, it will be
appreciated that numerous different anchoring systems can be used to anchor
the device of the present invention to a support member 64 or other
structures.
[0042] Although a key actuated lock assembly 26 has been shown in the
Figures, different types ~of lock assemblies could be used such as a
combination actuated lock in place of a key actuated lock. Furthermore, a
number of different types of pawl and ratchet configurations could be used,
and in some embodiments less sophisticated locking methods could be used,
for example through holes could be provided along the length of the arm 20 for
receiving a pad lock passed through corresponding locking holes provided in
the sleeve 24. Although the locking arm 20 and sleeve 24 have been shown as
cylindrical, different telescoping configurations could be used.
[0043] With reference to Figure 5, a security device in accordance with
further preferred embodiments of the invention is indicated by general
reference number 200. The security device 200, although similar to the
security
device 10, differs from the security device 10 in respects that will be
apparent
from the drawings of the respective devices and the following description. As
with device 10, the security device 200 includes first and second securing
members 12 and 14 which can be telescopically connected together to secure
a piece of equipment such as a lap top computer therebetween, the first
securing member 12 including a first hook-like restraining member 16, and the
second securing member 14 including a second hook-like restraining member
18 in opposed relationship with the first restraining member 16.
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[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the first hook member 16 is made up of
a base plate 30. A U-shaped tubular base member 202 is rigidly secured to the
base plate 30. Spaced-apart first and second sidewall engagement members
204 and 206 extend upward from the ends of base member 202, and first and
second spaced-apart arms 208, 210 extend inwardly from upper ends of the
engagement members 204 and 206, respectively. A U-shaped plate 212 is
positioned between members 208 and 210. The U-shaped plate 212 includes
spaced apart front and back restraining members 214,216 that are joined at
their outer ends by a side restraining member 218, the members 214,216 and
218 collectively defining an inward opening 220 in which the edge of a lap-top
computer cover 102 can be received.
[0045] The second hook restraining member 18 has a similar configuration to
the first hook restraining member, and in this regard includes a base plate 46
having secured thereto a U-shaped tubular base member 222. Spaced-apart
first and second sidewall engagement members 224 and 226 extend upward
from the ends of base member 222, and first and second spaced-apart arms
228, 230 extend inwardly from upper ends of the engagement members 224
and 226, respectively. A U-shaped plate 232 is positioned between members
228 and 230. The U-shaped plate 232 includes spaced apart front and back
restraining members 234, 236 that are joined at their outer ends by a side
restraining member 238, .the members 234, 236 and 238 collectively defining
an~ inward opening 240, in opposed relation to opening 220, in which a further
edge of a lap-top computer cover 102 can be received.
[0046] As with security device 10, the security device 200 includes an
elongate cylindrical rod or arm 20 that extends from the first securing member
12 in the same direction that the first hook member 16 opens towards. Unlike
device 10, the arm 20 of device 200 is spaced apart from the base-plate 30,
and is secured to the arm 210.
[0047] The second securing member 14 includes a lock device 22 which is
configured to telescopically receive the locking arm 20 of the first securing
member 12. As with security device 10, the lock device 22 includes a tubular
sleeve 24 which has a lock assembly 26 mounted thereon for engaging ratchet
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teeth 28 that are provided along the length ofi an extending portion of the
arm
20. The tubular sleeve 24 of the security device 200 is spaced apart from the
base plate 46 and is rigidly secured to the arm 230 of the restraining member
18.
[0048) When the locking arm 20 of the security device 200 is received within
the tubular sleeve 24 of the lock device 22, the first and second hook
restraining members, 16, 18 have opposing openings. In use, a lap top
computer can be received between these opposed openings. Similar to security
device 10, the security device 200 can be anchored to a support member 64 by
means ofi bolt 66 passing through hole 62 that is provided through the base
plate 46.
[0049a In addition to or in place of a bolt passing through hole 62, a cable
242 could be used to secure the security device 200 (or security device 10 or
any of the other embodiments of the security device that are described further
below) to a structure. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the~cable
242 is
secured at one end to the security device 200 by means ofi a loop 244 through
which the arm 20 or sleeve 24 is threaded through. The loop 244 is small
enough so that it can not be slipped over the opposed restrainirig members 16
or 18. An eye bolt and nut combination 246 can be used to secure the other
end of the cable 242 to a structure to prevent unauthorized removal of the
security device and the piece of equipment that is engaged by the security
device. A second loop 248.on the cable 242 can also be threaded through the
arm 20 or sleeve 24 so that security device 200 can be secured in place by
passing the cable 242 through a hole or opening in a structure and inserting
the
arm 20 or sleeve 24 through .both loops 244, 248. Such a cable configuration
could conveniently be used to secure a lap top computer (or other rectangular-
type equipment) to a car part within the car cabin or a car trunk, for
example.
[0050] Figure 6 shows the security device 200 securing closed laptop
computer 100 by engaging the diagonally opposite corner portions 250 and 252
of the laptop computer 100. The first restraining member 16 includes portions
that engage all four walls that meet at one corner portion 250 of the laptop
computer. In particular, sidewall engagement members 204 and 206 function
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as opposing members and each engage one of the sidewalls that meet at 90
degrees at the corner 250. The base plate 30 is in opposed relation to the
arms 208, 210 and U-shaped plate 212 with the base plate engaging the
bottom wall of the laptop at corner 250, and the arms 208, 210 and U-shaped
plate 212 engaging the top cover wall of the laptop at corner 250. Depending
on the computer height, the space between the base pate 16 and the U-shaped
plate 212 may be larger than the height of the closed laptop, and accordingly
there may be some limited movement of the laptop possible relative to the
security device 200. The second restraining member 18 engages the
diagonally opposite corner 252 in a similar manner. In Figure 6, the arm 20
and
sleeve 24 pass over the top of the lap top cover rather than under it as shown
in the embodiment of Figure 4.
[0051] Figure 7 shows the security device 200 securing laptop computer 100
in an open position. Opposite side edge portions of the open cover 102 are
received and restrained within the opposed openings 220 and 240 that are
defined by U-shaped plates 212 and 232, respectively, and opposite side edge
portions of the base 104 are received within the opposed openings defined by
baseplate 46, sidewall engagement member 234 and arm 228 of the restraining
member 18 and baseplate 30, sidewall engagement member 204 and arm 208
of the restraining member 16. As can be appreciated from Figure 7, the locking
arm 20 and sleeve 24 are located behind the open cover 102, rather than under
the computer as in the embodiment of Figure 3, and thus the security device
200 does not require that the computer base 204 sit at an angle relative to
the
support surface 70. Furthermore, as the locking arm 20 does not pass under
the laptop, the lock assembly 26 can be positioned between the first and
second restraining members 16 and 18, thus making the security device 200
have an overall relative length that is shorter than that of device 10 in
which the
lock assembly is located outside of the second restraining member 18.
[0052] With reference to Figure 8, another security device in accordance with
further preferred embodiments of the invention is indicated by general
reference number 260. The security device 260, although similar to the
security
device 10, differs from the security device 10 in respects that will be
apparent
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from the drawings of the respective devices and the following description. As
with device 10, the security device 260 includes first and second securing
members 12 and 14 which can be telescopically connected together to secure
a piece of equipment such as a lap top computer therebetween, the first
securing member 12 including first restraining member 16, and the second
securing member 14 including second restraining member 18 in opposed
relationship with the first restraining member 16.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the first hook member 16 of device 260
is made up of a base plate 262, from which locking arm 20 extends. An
optional shim plate 264 is positioned on the base plate 262. An inwardly
opening (ie. towards a center of the security device 260) U-shaped wall 266
extends upward from the baseplate 262 having opposed wall portions 268, 270.
A U-shaped plate 272 defining an inward facing opening 274 is located at an
upper end of U-shaped wall 266 in spaced apart and opposed relation to the
shim plate 264.
[0054] The second hook restraining member 18 of device 260 has a similar
configuration to the first hook restraining member, and in this regard
includes a
base plate 282, to which locking device 22 (including sleeve 24) is attached
for
receiving the locking arm 20. An optional shim plate 284 is positioned on the
base plate 282. An inwardly opening (ie. towards a center of the security
device
260) U-shaped wall 286 extends upward from the baseplate 282 having
opposed wall portions 288, 290. A U-shaped plate 292 defining an inward
facing opening 294 is located at an upper end of U-shaped wall 266 in spaced
apart and opposed relation to the shim plate 264.
[0055] In a manner similar to security devices 10 and 200, the device 260 can
secure a lap-top computer in both the open and shut positions. In the shut
position, diagonally opposite corner portions of the laptop computer are
received within and restrained by the restraining members 16 and 18. In
particular, the laptop computer sidewalls meeting at one corner are engaged by
the opposed sidewall portions 268 and 270 of restraining member 16, with the
upper cover and bottom base walls at such corner portion being located
between and restrained by the opposed shim plate 264 and U-shaped plate
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272. The retraining member 18 engages the diagonally opposed corner in a
similar manner.
[0056 In the laptop open position, the device 260 receives opposite side
edges of the laptop cover within openings 274 and 294, and opposite side
edges of the laptop base within the space between the shim plate 264 and U-
shaped plate 272 at one edge and the shim plate 284 and U-shaped plate 292
at the opposite edge.
[0057] With reference to Figure 9, yet another security device in
accordance with further preferred embodiments of the invention is indicated by
general reference number 300. The security device 300 operates in a manner
similar to the security devices 10 and 260, and in particular security device
200,
described above 260, except for differences, that in view of the above
description, will be apparent from the respective Figures.
[0058] In some embodiments, the security device may be configured to
permit only closed equipment components to be secured, and may be
configured to secure equipment components that have opposite corner
portions, but which are not perfectly square or rectangular in shape. In this
regard, Figures 10 and 11 show an example of a further security device,
indicated generally by reference 330, in accordance with preferred
embodiments of the present invention. The security device 330 operates in a
similar to the devices described above, having first and second securing
members 12 and 14 that can be telescopically locked together, with opposed
restraining members 332 and 334 for engaging opposite corners on a
component. As will be apparent from the drawings, the security device 330,
however, is not configured for use with an open laptop computer, but is
configured to be used to secure a closed laptop computer 100 that is attached
to a docking station 336.
[0059] As shown in Figure 12, the securifiy device 330 may be provided with
adjustable shim plates for adjusting for computer components of different
thicknesses or heights. In this respect, each of the restraining members 332,
334 has a base shim plate 336 to which can be added one or more additional
shim plates 338. In the illustrated embodiment, threaded holes are provided on
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the base shim plates 336 for receiving screws 340 that secure the additional
shim plates 338 in place. Such adjustable shim plates could also be used on
the other embodiments of the security device described above to provide
adjustability for a range of computer sizes.
[0060] Figure 12 shows yet a further security device, indicated generally by
reference 350, for securing a closed docked lap-top in accordance with the
present invention. The device 350 is similar to device 330, except that the
locking arm and corresponding sleeve are located to pass over the top of the
computer and docking station, rather than under it, which permits the device
350 to have a shorter overall profile as locking assembly 26 can be located
between the opposed restraining members.
[0061] In some embodiments, the security device may be configured to
secure a laptop only in the closed position. For example, with reference to
Figures 5 and 7, front side-wall engagement members 204 and 234 could be
omitted without affecting the ability of device 200 to secure the laptop 100
in the
open position.
[0062] In some embodiments, the security device could be used with a
mounting plate so that a laptop computer could be secured to a pedestal mount
in a mobile office such as a vehicle, for example. In this regard, Figures 13-
15
show a mounting plate 360 that can be used with security device 200 for
securing either a closed or open laptop to a conventional laptop pedestal (not
shown) in a vehicle or elsewhere. The mounting plate 360 includes a
substantially planar rectangular base 362 through which holes 361 for mounting
bolts (not shown) can pass. Opposed L-shaped brackets 364 are provided on
opposite side edges of base 362, and a further L-shaped bracket 366 is
provided along a further edge of the of base 362. Outwardly opening opposed
pockets 368 are provided along the same edges that opposed brackets 364 are
located on. As can be see in Figure 14, opposed pockets 368 are configured to
receive the base members 30 and 46 of the opposed restraining members 16
and 18 of security device 200, such that a laptop computer (not shown) in the
open position can be secured to the mounting plate 360, with the L-shaped
brackets 364 and 366 engaging three of the sidewalls of the lap top and
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extending over edge portions of the keyboard surface, and the security device
200 engaging opposite side of the~open laptop display. Bolt holes 361wi11 be
covered by the laptop.
[0063] Figure 15 shows the security device extending across diagonal
corners of the mounting plate 360 in a position useful for securing a closed
laptop computer (not shown). The base members 30, 46 of the retraining
members 16, 18 may be received in pockets on opposite corners of the base
plate 362, or could pass underneath the base plate 362, or one of them could
be bolted to base plate 362.
[0064] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the
foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the
practice of this invention without departing from the sprit or scope thereof.
The
foregoing description is of the preferred embodiments and is by way of
example, and is not to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the
following claims.
